Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: A medium-sized dove, approximately 30-32 cm long.
Coloration: The body is generally a soft, pinkish-brown or fawn colour, becoming greyer on the head and belly. The wings are a darker brown. Its most striking feature is a large black patch on the back and sides of the neck, which is finely spotted with white, creating a 'chequered' or 'lacy' appearance. The tail is long with broad white tips on the outer feathers, which are prominent when the bird takes flight.
Key Features: The black-and-white chequered patch on the back of the neck is the single most definitive feature for identification. Its long tail with white tips and its gentle, cooing call are also key characteristics.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: They are prolific breeders. In the warm climates of their Australian range, they can breed year-round, potentially raising five or six broods in a single year.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs, rootlets, and grasses, often so sparsely built that the eggs can be seen from below. It is typically placed in a tree, dense shrub, or increasingly on man-made structures like building ledges, beams, and in hanging baskets. The female lays a clutch of two small, white, glossy eggs.
Larval Stage
This is the nestling or 'squab' stage. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after about 14-16 days. The squabs are altricial and are fed 'crop milk', a high-energy, cheese-like secretion produced in the crops of both parents. After a few days, this is supplemented with seeds.
Pupal Stage
This is the fledgling period. The young doves develop rapidly and are ready to leave the nest (fledge) at around 14-17 days old. After fledging, they remain nearby and are fed by their parents for another week or two until they become fully independent.
Adult Stage
Once independent, young birds join local foraging flocks. They reach sexual maturity at a young age and can begin breeding in their first year. Spotted Doves can live for several years in the wild.
Reproduction Rate
They are prolific breeders. In the warm climates of their Australian range, they can breed year-round, potentially raising five or six broods in a single year.
Generations Per Year
Multiple generations per year are possible due to their extended breeding season.
Development Time
The entire cycle from egg-laying to the independence of the young is very fast, taking approximately 5-6 weeks.
Seasonal Cycle
While they can breed at any time of year, there is a peak in breeding activity during spring and summer, coinciding with maximum food availability. They do not migrate and are resident in their territories year-round.
Environmental Factors
Their success is closely tied to human-modified environments that provide a reliable supply of food (spilled grain, bird feeders) and water, as well as suitable nesting structures.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Urban and suburban gardens, parks, and city squares.
- Agricultural lands, especially around grain storage, feedlots, and poultry farms.
- Lightly wooded areas, farmland, and coastal scrub.
- They are highly adapted to human-modified landscapes and are less common in dense, pristine forests.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Widespread along the east coast of Australia, from North Queensland down through New South Wales and Victoria, and into south-eastern South Australia. Also established around major centres in WA, such as Perth.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Extremely successful in urban and suburban areas. Also common in agricultural landscapes, but less so in extensive, undisturbed bushland.
Native Range
Native to southern Asia, from Pakistan and India through to southern China and Southeast Asia.
Introduced Range
Introduced to many parts of the world, including Australia, the US (California), Hawaii, and Mauritius.
Introduction History
Introduced to Melbourne in the 1860s. Other separate introductions likely occurred in other cities like Sydney and Perth.
Current Spread
The eastern Australian population continues to expand its range gradually, particularly southwards and westwards from the coast.
Limiting Factors
Their distribution seems to be limited by arid conditions and possibly by very cold winters, preventing them from establishing in the dry interior or the coldest highland areas.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal. They spend most of their day foraging on the ground.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Almost exclusively a granivore (seed and grain eater).
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Like most pigeons and doves, they can potentially carry and transmit diseases such as Avian Paramyxovirus, Salmonella, and Chlamydia psittaci (which causes psittacosis in humans), but the risk of transmission to people is very low.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Droppings and feather dust can become airborne and may trigger respiratory allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals, particularly where they roost in large numbers.
Contamination Risk
Their droppings can contaminate outdoor furniture, vehicles, and walkways. If they gain access to food processing facilities or grain silos, they can contaminate food products.
Vulnerable Populations
- People with allergies or compromised immune systems may be more sensitive to allergens from their droppings.
- Workers in grain handling or food processing facilities are at higher risk if doves gain entry.
Symptoms of Exposure
- Psittacosis in humans can cause flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and fever.
- Allergic reactions can include respiratory irritation, sneezing, and skin rashes.
Transmission Methods
- Primarily through the inhalation of aerosolized, dried droppings or feather dust.
Risk Severity
Low. The risk of disease transmission to the general public is minimal.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$300-$800+ for professional installation of bird proofing measures like spikes or netting on a building.
Prevention Costs
Variable, depending on the scale of proofing required.
Diy Treatment
$50-$200 for DIY bird spikes, scare devices, or netting.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
Accumulated droppings can be acidic and may corrode building materials over time. Nests built in gutters can block them, leading to water damage.
Garden Damage
Can sometimes cause minor damage by eating newly sown lawn seed or scratching up seedlings.
Food Contamination
A significant pest in grain storage facilities, feedlots, and dairies, where they consume and contaminate large quantities of animal feed.
Equipment Damage
Droppings and nesting material can damage air conditioning units or other rooftop equipment.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Can be a nuisance around outdoor dining areas. Droppings can create a hygiene issue and deter customers.
Retail Impact
Can be a problem for businesses with open-air food displays or warehouses.
Reputation Damage
A building that is visibly fouled with bird droppings can create a poor public image.
Operational Disruption
May require disruption for cleaning and installation of bird proofing.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
They are a notable pest of the grain industry, both pre-harvest and, more significantly, post-harvest. Large flocks can congregate at grain silos, feedlots, and piggeries, consuming and fouling substantial amounts of feed.
Yield Loss
Causes quantifiable losses in stored grain and animal feed.
Beneficial Aspects
Minimal. They may eat some weed seeds.
Economic Loss
Their primary economic impact is on the intensive livestock and grain storage industries.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Minimal.
Cleanup Costs
Significant costs can be incurred for the regular cleanup of bird droppings from public buildings, monuments, and commercial properties.
Replacement Costs
Cost of lost grain and animal feed.
Preventive Maintenance
Ongoing costs for maintaining bird proofing on buildings.
Detection & Signs
Common Signs of Spotted Dove Activity
- Large amounts of droppings in concentrated areas, particularly on ledges, under bridges, and around buildings
- Visual sightings of live birds, especially in flocks around buildings or food sources
- Nesting materials such as twigs, feathers, and debris in sheltered areas like roof voids, balconies, and building crevices
- Damage to property including stained surfaces from acidic droppings and blocked gutters from nesting materials
- Unpleasant odors from accumulated droppings and decaying nesting materials
- Noise disturbances, particularly early morning cooing, flapping, and scratching sounds
Areas to Check
- Building ledges, window sills, and architectural features that provide shelter
- Under eaves, balconies, and covered outdoor areas
- Around air conditioning units, solar panels, and rooftop equipment
- Bridge underpasses and similar structures
- Near food sources such as outdoor dining areas and waste disposal points
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Do not deliberately feed them.
- Clean up spilled food, especially pet food and birdseed, promptly.
- In agricultural settings, ensure grain stores are securely sealed.
Exclusion Methods
- The most effective method for buildings. Install physical barriers to prevent them from landing or nesting on preferred sites.
- Use bird spikes on ledges, pipes, and beams.
- Install bird netting to exclude them from larger areas like courtyards, balconies, or loading docks.
- Block any access points to roof voids or internal structures.
Landscaping Tips
- Prune dense trees and shrubs to make them less attractive for nesting.
- Avoid leaving food and water sources readily available.
Monitoring Strategies
- Regularly inspect building ledges, roofs, and gutters for signs of nesting activity or droppings.
Environmental Modification
- Modify building ledges by installing angled sheeting (at a 45-degree angle or more) to make them impossible to land on.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Not applicable or permitted for doves.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Professional installation of bird proofing systems is the primary treatment. This includes high-quality netting, spiking, post-and-wire systems, or bird slopes. For large populations, trapping and removal may be undertaken by licensed specialists, but this is often a temporary solution if the site is not proofed.
Integrated Approach
A professional IPM strategy involves: 1) A thorough site assessment to identify nesting, roosting, and feeding sites. 2) Recommending and implementing the most appropriate proofing and exclusion measures. 3) A plan for cleaning and removing droppings and nesting material safely. 4) Advice on modifying the environment to make it less attractive.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
Ineffective.
Home Made Traps
Trapping is not recommended for DIY and is subject to animal welfare laws.
Deterrent Methods
DIY deterrents include scare devices like reflective tape, scare-eye balloons, or model predators (owls, hawks). These have limited, temporary effectiveness as the doves quickly become habituated to them.
Mechanical Control
Installing DIY bird spikes or netting on a small scale (e.g., on an air conditioning unit) can be effective. Regularly disturbing them from a potential nesting site can also persuade them to move on.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Physical proofing, when installed correctly, is highly effective and provides a long-term solution. Deterrents have a low success rate in the long term.
Timeframe
Proofing provides immediate results once installed.
Follow Up Required
Proofing systems should be regularly checked for damage or gaps. Deterrents need to be moved constantly.
Seasonal Considerations
The best time to install proofing is before the peak breeding season begins in spring.
Application Techniques
- Correctly tensioning netting to ensure it is taut.
- Using appropriate adhesives or fixings to install bird spikes securely.
- Removing all nesting material before installing proofing systems.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Not applicable or permitted for doves.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Professional installation of bird proofing systems is the primary treatment. This includes high-quality netting, spiking, post-and-wire systems, or bird slopes. For large populations, trapping and removal may be undertaken by licensed specialists, but this is often a temporary solution if the site is not proofed.
Integrated Approach
A professional IPM strategy involves: 1) A thorough site assessment to identify nesting, roosting, and feeding sites. 2) Recommending and implementing the most appropriate proofing and exclusion measures. 3) A plan for cleaning and removing droppings and nesting material safely. 4) Advice on modifying the environment to make it less attractive.
Professional Treatment Costs
$300-$800+ for professional installation of bird proofing measures like spikes or netting on a building.
Treatment Success Rates
Physical proofing, when installed correctly, is highly effective and provides a long-term solution. Deterrents have a low success rate in the long term.
Treatment Timeframe
Proofing provides immediate results once installed.
No Featured Providers Available
We're currently updating our featured provider listings for Spotted Dove control.
Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
The beginning of the peak breeding season. Courtship displays and nest-building are common. Cooing calls become more frequent and persistent.
Summer Activity
Breeding is at its most intense. Multiple broods can be raised. They are actively foraging for seeds and grains to feed their young.
Autumn Activity
Breeding may continue into early autumn. After breeding, they may form larger foraging flocks, which can be a problem in agricultural settings.
Winter Activity
Breeding activity decreases, but does not necessarily stop in warmer climates. They congregate in foraging flocks.
Breeding Season
Can breed year-round, but peaks from September to March.
Peak Activity Period
Problematic roosting and nesting on buildings is most common in spring and summer. Agricultural damage from flocks is more likely in autumn and winter at grain storage sites.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm weather promotes year-round breeding.
Humidity Effects
No major impact.
Photoperiod Effects
Increasing day length in spring stimulates breeding.
Weather Patterns
Their activity is consistent in most weather, though nesting success can be affected by heavy storms.
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
Professional pest control operators must be licensed and comply with relevant state and local regulations regarding bird control treatments. Most bird species in Australia are not protected, allowing for standard pest control methods. However, it's recommended to verify specific regulations in your area before implementing control measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Spotted Dove and a native Australian dove?
The easiest way to distinguish the introduced Spotted Dove from native Australian doves and pigeons is by its unique neck marking. The Spotted Dove has a large, black patch on the back and sides of its neck that is covered in fine white spots, creating a distinctive checkerboard or lacy pattern. No native Australian dove or pigeon possesses this feature. For example, the native Crested Pigeon is grey and easily identified by the tall, thin crest on its head. The small Peaceful Dove is grey and has fine black and white bars across its chest and neck. The Bar-shouldered Dove has a copper-coloured neck. If you see a medium-sized dove with the tell-tale checkered neck patch, you can be certain it is the introduced Spotted Dove.
Are Spotted Doves a pest? Should I get rid of them?
The Spotted Dove is considered a minor pest in Australia, but whether you need to 'get rid of them' depends entirely on the situation. In most suburban gardens, they are a harmless and often pleasant resident, and no action is required. However, they can become problematic in certain contexts. In agricultural areas, large flocks can consume and contaminate significant amounts of stored grain or animal feed. In urban settings, if they choose to nest or roost on your house, their accumulated droppings can be unsightly, unhygienic, and can damage surfaces. Their flimsy nests can also block gutters. If they are not causing any specific damage or hygiene issue on your property, it is best to leave them be. If they are causing a problem, control should focus on humane deterrents and exclusion, not lethal methods.
How can I stop Spotted Doves from nesting on my house?
The most effective way to stop Spotted Doves from nesting on your house is to make their preferred nesting spots inaccessible or uncomfortable for them. This is a strategy known as 'proofing' or 'exclusion'. Start by identifying the flat, sheltered ledges they favour, such as window sills, beams under eaves, pergolas, or air conditioning units. You can then install physical barriers. Commercially available bird spikes are highly effective on ledges, as they prevent the birds from being able to land. For larger areas like balconies or courtyards, bird netting can be installed to deny access completely. Another option is to modify the ledge itself by installing an angled piece of metal or plastic (a 'bird slope') at an angle of 45 degrees or more, which makes it impossible for them to gain a foothold. Regularly removing any half-built nests will also discourage them, as they will eventually give up and find an easier location.
Is it okay to feed Spotted Doves in my backyard?
While feeding birds in the backyard is a popular pastime, it is generally discouraged by wildlife experts and conservation groups. While Spotted Doves will readily eat birdseed, providing a concentrated, artificial food source can cause several problems. It can lead to an unnaturally high local population of doves, increasing competition for native species. It can also cause the birds to become dependent on handouts. Most importantly, bird feeders can become hotspots for disease transmission. If a single sick bird visits your feeder, it can contaminate the food and the feeder itself, spreading diseases like psittacosis to all the other birds that visit, including native parrots and pigeons. If you choose to feed them, it is your responsibility to maintain strict hygiene by cleaning the feeder at least weekly with a proper disinfectant.
Where does the Spotted Dove in Australia come from?
The Spotted Dove is an introduced species, not native to Australia. Its natural range is across southern Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, southern China, and Southeast Asia. Like many other introduced birds in Australia, it was deliberately brought here and released during the 19th century. Acclimatisation Societies, particularly active in the 1860s in cities like Melbourne, imported and released many species of familiar birds from other parts of the world to make the Australian environment feel more familiar to European and Asian settlers. The Spotted Dove proved to be highly adaptable and successfully established a breeding population. From these initial release points, it has steadily expanded its range over the last 150 years to become a very common bird in urban and agricultural areas along the east coast and in the southwest.
Get Expert Help with Spotted Dove Control
Need professional assistance with Spotted Dove identification or control? Our network of certified pest control experts can provide tailored solutions for your specific situation.
Why Choose Professional Help?
- Accurate Spotted Dove identification
- Safe and effective treatment methods
- Customized control strategies
- Licensed and insured technicians
- Ongoing prevention advice
Emergency Response
24/7 availability for urgent bird-and-pigeon issues
Expert Consultation
Free quotes and professional assessment
Guaranteed Results
Licensed professionals with proven track record
Image Gallery
Images of Spotted Dove showing key identifying features: